Hyperspectral and inductive sensor technologies

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is a technology that is increasingly established in the food industry. In contrast to conventional cameras, which only operate in three color bands, a hyperspectral camera captures light across a broad spectrum of wavelengths. The unique signature of the spectrum enable a hyperspectral camera to determine the chemical composition of an object.

The application possibilities of this non-contact and non-invasive technology are extremely diverse and wide-ranging. It covers a wide range of areas from fruits and vegetables, fish and meat to nuts, cereals, rice and processed foods such as potato chips, baked goods and sweets. Foreign bodies such as leaves, stems, bones, plastic or other unwanted materials are detected, as well as defects such as rot, pressure marks, contamination or rancidity.

Quantitative chemical imaging (QCI) is an HSI-based technology that measures quantitative values such as pH value, starch, sugar, or protein content as well as salt concentration of products directly in the line in real-time. By using QCI, the methods from the laboratory can be transferred to products of EVK and seamlessly integrated into the production line to ensure continuous monitoring and inspection of the entire production line. Applications include to measuring the ripeness of fruit, the moisture content of baked goods and the protein content of meat without interruption.

Compared to traditional sampling or manual inspection, QCI offers efficient and continuous measurement across the entire product flow of incoming and outgoing goods. As a result, the system delivers more representative results than sample analyses in the laboratory. Production processes are thus optimized, costs are reduced and consistently high product quality is guaranteed.

Hyperspectral camera systems can be used to maker sorting decisions in the plant and reject foreign bodies or defective products through sorting flaps, valves or other mechanical devices. EVK`s hyperspectral systems are seamlessly integrated into the production line and connected to the plant`s control systems. Objects that deviate from defined criteria are classified in a fraction of a second and appropriate measures are triggered in real-time. In order to meet the different requirements of production conditions, product and data evaluation, experts such as EVK are crucial to support the integration.

HSI systems have become indispensable for the food industry. The ability to classify materials based on their chemical composition contributes significantly to safety and quality in food production. The use and interaction of EVK HELIOS hyperspectral cameras, the powerful EVK ALPHA image data processing platform and the data analysis software EVK SQALAR optimizes processes, increases production capacities, shortens throughput times and minimizes rejects and losses by detecting quality problems at an early stage. This leads to considerable cost savings.

Visit EVK at Anuga FoodTec from March 19-22 at booth D-027 in hall 10.1, experience HSI in action and don`t miss the presentation “Inline quality control and foreign body detection using hyperspectral imaging” on March 21, 2024 at 13:00 in the Speakers Corner.

EVK is an expert company in industrial imaging and data processing, providing sensor-based solutions for sorting and monitoring bulk material in the recycling, mining, and food industries. EVK´s core competence is the classification and analysis of data using hyperspectral and inductive sensor technologies. The company provides complete solutions for the industry, from data acquisition to data processing for value-driven business decisions.

For more information: www.evk.biz .